LIVERPOOL VS SOUTHAMPTON: PREDICTED LINEUP

Liverpool host Southampton at Anfield tomorrow afternoon in the Premier League. The Reds are aiming to go second and within a point of Chelsea with a win, but Southampton will aim to put up a stubborn resistance. We take a look at how Jürgen Klopp could line his team up for the encounter.

You can find a preview of the game here:

https://made4liverpool.com/2021/11/26/liverpool-vs-southampton-preview/

The injuries have eased a bit for the Reds, with Robertson, Milner, Williams and Origi all returning to action against Porto. Skipper Jordan Henderson has also gotten over the knock that saw him only fit enough to make cameos in the last two fixtures. We should see a stronger bench than we saw against Arsenal at least.

In goal, Alisson Becker will continue, fresh from the honour of captaining the side for the first time. He will be hoping to make it three clean sheets in a row after shutouts against Arsenal and Porto. Alexander-Arnold will also return to the side after getting the night off in midweek.

Neco Williams stood in well for him as well, which was nice to see. In the heart of defence, Joel Matip should continue his partnership with Virgil Van Dijk. That’s been the first choice pairing so far this season. With Gomez still out injured and Konaté enduring a shaky outing last time out, there’s no real reason to alter things.

Virgil Van Dijk has had a nice little break and should be ready to go again as the most intense period of the season beckons. The first big decision for the manager comes at left back. Kostas Tsimikas has built on a solid pre-season to exceed expectations this season, having had little to no real game time last season.

He’s made 8 starts this season (4 in the league) and the Reds have kept a clean sheets in all of them. His output going forward isn’t shabby either, having matched Robbo for chances created (11) in half the number of starts. The Greek is enjoying a good season and has generated a lot of debate with his performances.

Jürgen Klopp had this dilemma before the West Ham fixture and declared Robbo the best left back in the world before going on to pick him. In his press conference today, he struck a similar note, reaffirming his trust in the Scottish captain. Robertson did come on against Porto and looked like he had the bit between his teeth.

You can tell he knows his position is under threat. That competition should get the best out of both players and we expect the Scotsman to get the nod tomorrow. Over in midfield, another selection headache presents itself. Fabinho and Thiago’s places are almost assured with the duo unbeaten in the 12 games they’ve started together.

The right sided midfield role has been occupied by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the past few games and he’s done well. He’s worked his socks off to help out defensively and we all know he carries a threat going forward. No Liverpool player has made more appearances than Henderson this season though.

The skipper has usually lined up on that side, building a menacing trio with Trent and Salah. He’s enjoying more of an attacking license this season too and has chipped in with 2 goals and 3 assists in all competitions. He will likely start, with Ox being given a breather after starting each of the last four.

This means we get to see the midfield trio of Fabinho, Thiago and Henderson together from the start for just the second time. They looked promising together in their only outing so far (last season’s ill fated draw at Goodison). It is a trio many feel presents the best balance of the attributes Klopp requires from his midfield. We’ll see.

It’s an easier selection decision upfront, with Jota continuing to fill in for the stricken Firmino who remains out with a hamstring injury. Salah and Mané will again flank the Portuguese and look to continue the partnership they’ve built up with him. Origi and Minamino will take their place on the bench.

Predicted team:

Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago, Salah, Jota, Mané.

Subs: Kelleher, Williams, Konaté, Phillips, Tsimikas, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Minamino, Origi.